Briefly

Posted: Tuesday, March 27, 2001

By The JUNEAU EMPIRE

Winter storm warning canceled

JUNEAU - After issuing a storm warning at 6 a.m. today that Juneau would receive six to eight inches of snow, making travel hazardous, the National Weather Service changed its short-term forecast about four hours later.

Snowfall is now predicted at only one or two inches today, tapering off to occasional snow showers by this evening.

Redistricting board to take input in Juneau

JUNEAU - The Alaska Redistricting Board will have a public hearing in Juneau April 3 concerning new boundaries for legislative districts.

The hearing, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Assembly chambers, is to gather public testimony on how the new map should be drawn. A draft redistricting plan, which must be completed by April 18, will not be available at the hearing. A final plan is required within 60 days after the draft plan.

The 2000 census data for existing House districts can be viewed on-line at www.alaskaredistricting.org. More information is available from the board at 465-4637.

Hearings also are being held in Anchorage, Palmer, Fairbanks, Ketchikan and Bethel.

House OKs missile defense position

JUNEAU - The state House approved a bill Monday that would let the state hire an assistant adjutant general for space and missile defense in the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Gov. Tony Knowles asked for the position, which he said would be federally funded. The National Guard officer appointed to the job would be the state's official military representative in matters related to deployment of a national missile defense program in Alaska.

"I think it sends a message to the federal-level individuals that we are ready for this system to come to Alaska and we are ready to take on the responsibilities of it," said Rep. Pete Kott, an Eagle River Republican.

The job would be authorized for as long as the federal government is working on the missile defense program in Alaska and is paying for the position. That's expected to be at least three years.

Reps. Beth Kerttula, a Juneau Democrat, and John Davies, a Fairbanks Democrat, cast the only votes against the bill. Kerttula said she a national missile defense program would abrogate the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.